This question pertains to lenses used on 35mm or the digital SLRs. Years ago I used to keep a basic UV filter on my lenses all the time. Now I just keep them on to transport a lens, and then remove it when the lens is in use. Well, no matter how careful I am, slight scratches are showing up on my lenses. I'm thinking of reinvesting in the B&W line (unless there are better ones I don't know about) and keeping the filters on all the time. I was wondering how others handle this, if at all.

Funny you should bring this up.
I used to be vigilant about keeping filters on all my lenses. That is until a couple of years ago I realized how even B&W or Heliopan are making all my images soft, noticeably. Since then I have been careful and shot without in most cases; except for in the driving rain or when shooting the back of a moving hovercraft.
Well last friday I was shooting a couple of kids running and the younger one decided to kick some stones as she came up to my camera and I, laying on the ground. Well she kicked a perfect goal, chip out of the front of my 17-40.
I was just quoted £190 to replace the front element and I have already shipped it off.
Moral of the story?
Well I'd do it again if I had to, since I still believe the images are that much sharper than with the filter. Sure if would have saved the front element but I also think the constant cost of replacing filters is offset my how much care I take when shooting to avoid most of those circumstances that would require the lense to wear one.
R_________________r.c. durston
photographer
http://www.durstonphoto.com

I once had someone open a door into the front of one of my favorite wide angles. The doorknob crunched straight into the filter, shattering it. I put a new one on later that day, and was out about $15._________________http://richardbarron.net/